Business Administration, Management and Operations at Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kennesaw State's business program delivers strong early-career outcomes that put graduates ahead of most competitors nationally and within Georgia. With first-year earnings of $52,766, graduates earn about $8,000 more than the typical Georgia business graduate and land in the 75th percentile nationally—impressive performance for a program with a 69% admission rate. The debt load of $26,625 creates a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans within a few years.
The program's main limitation becomes apparent over time: earnings growth stalls almost completely, rising just 3% over four years to $54,098. While graduates start strong, they fall behind peers from Georgia's elite programs like UGA ($56,630) and significantly trail Emory ($85,682) by year four. Among Georgia business programs, KSU ranks in the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional within the state.
For families seeking good value in business education, KSU offers a practical path to steady employment with reasonable debt. The program works well for students who prioritize quick entry into the workforce over long-term earning potential, though parents should understand that career advancement may require additional credentials or job changes down the line.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kennesaw State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kennesaw State University graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (54 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | $52,766 | $54,098 | $26,625 | 0.50 |
| Emory University | $85,682 | $107,945 | $19,500 | 0.23 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $73,557 | $78,313 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
| University of Georgia | $56,630 | $63,445 | $19,500 | 0.34 |
| Morehouse College | $55,567 | $62,476 | $23,625 | 0.43 |
| DeVry University-Georgia | $55,102 | $55,550 | $46,797 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory University Atlanta | $60,774 | $85,682 | $19,500 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta | $11,764 | $73,557 | $23,000 |
| University of Georgia Athens | $11,180 | $56,630 | $19,500 |
| Morehouse College Atlanta | $31,725 | $55,567 | $23,625 |
| DeVry University-Georgia Decatur | $17,488 | $55,102 | $46,797 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 347 graduates with reported earnings and 330 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.